France's Interior Ministry has announced the arrest of more than 400 people suspected of intentional or accidental arson, according to infohub.kz.
According to the ministry, 420 people have been arrested, including 166 minors. In one case, a 23-year-old man is accused of deliberately setting fire to 10 buildings over five days in the southeastern department of Var last month. If convicted, he faces 15 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros.
Many others have already been convicted and sentenced immediately. For example, a man received a three-year prison sentence for setting fire to three forests in the Raon-l'Étape area of the Vosges.
BBC journalists note that the prosecutions have been perceived as overly harsh and unfair. It is reported that a homeless person and a person with severe autism received prison sentences for throwing cigarette butts.
The French Interior Ministry has not commented on specific charges, particularly regarding the intent of the accused. However, Bordeaux prosecutor Renaud Gaudel stated that a tough approach is justified under the circumstances.
"The conditions for charging with endangering life are met for those who throw cigarette butts or light a barbecue in wooded areas. A tiny spark is enough to start a fire," he said.